### When humanity is celebrated: Reflections on the International Day of Human Fraternity and its echo in the DRC
Every year, on February 4, the world celebrates the International Day of Human Fraternity, an initiative launched by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020. On this day, we remember the pain of yesterday to better envision a future made of respect, peace and solidarity. In a world where conflicts persist and worsen, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this day is both heavy and necessary.
The founding of the UN after the Second World War aimed to prevent the horrors of such a conflict in the future, while emphasizing human dignity. The 1999 Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace then laid the foundations for a universal and pragmatic approach to peace. But how does this vision fit with contemporary realities, particularly in eastern DRC, a region that seems to be an epicenter of endless conflicts?
#### The Crisis in Eastern DRC: A Dismal Humanitarian and Security Panorama
The crisis in the DRC is complex, rooted in historical, economic and social factors. The armed conflict, which results from struggles for power and resources, has ramifications that affect several neighboring countries, thus attesting to its regional dimension. In this regard, several international organizations, including human rights bodies, report that nearly 5 million people are displaced due to the violence, with restricted humanitarian access in some areas, aggravating the suffering of the population.
Recent statistics indicate that the DRC is one of the countries most affected by food insecurity. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), approximately 26 million Congolese are in need of urgent humanitarian aid, which underlines the urgency of intervention. The regional dimension of this crisis is challenging: it is easy to understand that the stability of the DRC is closely linked to that of neighboring countries such as Rwanda and Uganda. The political and economic interconnection of the region could encourage consideration of collective mediation, but so far, efforts have often been piecemeal.
#### President Tshisekedi’s speech: Towards national reconciliation?
In the tense context of the DRC, President Félix Tshisekedi’s message to the Nation must be both a call for unity and action. In a country already scarred by multiple internal conflicts, the notion of human fraternity takes on its full meaning here. An inclusive dialogue, aimed at bringing together the various political actors and local communities, is essential to restore trust and promote genuine democratic governance..
This speech is in line with his commitment to improve the living conditions of the Congolese people by strengthening institutions and ensuring social justice. However, the inefficiency and corruption that still plague some state structures raise concerns about the implementation of these ambitious goals. In this regard, the analysis of political speeches and their repercussions on the ground could offer valuable insights into the viability of President Tshisekedi’s promises.
#### M23 in Goma: A persistent threat and inescapable humanitarian challenges
The presence of the M23 in the strategic city of Goma, the epicenter of trade and commerce, adds an additional layer of complicity to an already precarious crisis. It is not only a threat to local peace and security, but also a humanitarian challenge of magnitude. Humanitarian access is becoming increasingly difficult due to this instability, and the free movement of people is hampered by roadblocks and restrictive measures by armed groups.
Observations on the ground suggest that the international community must step up its support for the DRC, both on the humanitarian and security fronts. Concerted actions, such as the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors and support for social rehabilitation initiatives, can be effective levers to respond to this crisis.
#### Conclusion: The call for real human fraternity in the DRC
As we celebrate the International Day of Human Fraternity, it is essential to go beyond the simple ritual of commemoration. The call for collective awareness of the tragedies experienced by the Congolese must serve as a springboard for real initiatives. This implies a mutual commitment, both locally and internationally, to create the conditions for peace, unity and prosperity.
In a world where ideological, ethnic and economic tensions are still omnipresent, the path towards human fraternity may seem long and fraught with pitfalls. However, it is imperative to believe in the possibility of a peaceful resolution of conflicts, both in the DRC and in the rest of the world. Human fraternity must not only be an abstract concept, but a tangible commitment to building bridges between communities and working towards a better, more just and more united future.